Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta, a one-pan wonder that combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, a luscious tomato-cream sauce, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality results right at home. Customize it with mild or spicy sausage and optional baby spinach for added color and nutrients. Packed with garlic, onion, and a touch of red pepper flakes for depth, this cozy pasta dish offers a harmonious blend of creaminess and bold Italian flavors. Serve it hot with extra Parmesan on top for a comforting meal that's guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 12 ounces Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 medium Yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1 cup Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 2 cups Baby spinach (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, ensuring the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. If you’re including baby spinach, add it to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.

Step 8

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sausage sauce.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1859.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3316.3

Total Fat 229.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 628.2mg	0%
Sodium 8441.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 147.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.3g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 138.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1285.0mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 2873.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.4%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 18.4%